Sean and Adria Cavanaugh, with son Finn, 6, and daughter Molly, 3, get ready to take their adopted retriever mix home from the county animal shelter in Carlsbad. Scott Allison • U-T

CARLSBAD  A North Park family has adopted a young dog that was found shot and wounded on the side of an East County road in February.

Chance, a 19-month-old retriever mix, on Wednesday became part of the Cavanaugh family — Sean and Adria and their children, 6-year-old Finn and 3-year-old Molly — at the San Diego County Animal Services Department’s shelter in Carlsbad.

The dog, who weighs about 40 pounds, was hit by a bullet that narrowly missed his heart and was in critical condition when found along Viejas Grade Road on Feb. 20.

An instant bond formed Saturday when the family met the dog, Adria Cavanaugh said.

“We are just thrilled, we feel so lucky,” she said. “We are touched that we are able to be the ones to take him home and be part of our family.”

The Cavanaughs lost their rescued 12-year-old golden retriever, Buddy, just over a year ago and were one of five families who were being considered to provide a permanent home for Chance. The Cavanaughs had been searching for a new dog for months, Adria said. After seeing photographs of Chance online, she said, “we all just sort of fell in love.”

Sean Cavanaugh works at home and will be able to provide the attention Chance will need as he continues to heal.

Adria Cavanaugh grew up in Alpine, and her parents still live there. She said that her mother told her, “He’s from Alpine, you’re from Alpine. It’s meant to be.”

Finn Cavanaugh agrees.

“I really, really like him, and also I think he’s the best dog ever,” he said. “He likes to cuddle with me.”

Lt. Dan DeSousa said Chance has a way to go to recover from the gunshot that damaged his lungs.

The dog’s original owner, who called him Jersey, relinquished him to the county. The cost of the dog’s care was $8,000 and was paid through donations to the Animal Services Department’s Spirit Fund.

The shooting is under investigation, but no tips have been forthcoming, DeSousa said. Crime Stoppers and San Diego Animal Advocates are together offering up to $3,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction.